Vikings veteran says Brian Flores factored in his decision to remain with team
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jordan Hicks is one of just six returning starters on the defensive side of the football. With plenty of turnover and the infusion of defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ aggressive new system, Hicks will play a major role for the Vikes in 2023. Hicks appreciates the culture Minnesota has established over recent years. […]
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Jordan Hicks is one of just six returning starters on the defensive side of the football. With plenty of turnover and the infusion of defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ aggressive new system, Hicks will play a major role for the Vikes in 2023.
Hicks appreciates the culture Minnesota has established over recent years. In fact, he took a $1.5 million pay cut to remain with the team over the offseason.
Hicks has eight years of NFL experience, which means he’s seen it all. He is currently playing on his third team and has seen many defensive coordinators come and go during his career. However, there is certain appeal that Flores has in Hicks’ eyes.
"I know guys that have played for Coach 'Flo' and say nothing but great things about the defense," Hicks said on Tuesday. "[He] was one of the things, but it's more than that. It's family, it's the ability to win and build off what we did last year. … There's a lot of things that go into it, football being one of them. Things off the field as well."
As an outside linebacker, Hocks’ primary responsibility is to wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks. It just so happens that Flores has an affinity for sending pressure on a frequent basis.
"You have to respect the fact that on any given play, you can bring five, six, seven — whatever it may be," Hicks added. "Whether we're coming or not, you have to think we're coming or your quarterback that's getting paid millions and millions of dollars is going to get hit, right?"
Hicks enjoyed an efficient season in 2022, but he must improve upon his sack total of three in 17 games. With Flores now in charge, Hicks could be in for a career resurgence under one of the most blitz-happy coordinators in the league.
Featured image via Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
